Gods of Egypt: Director Proyas Apologizes for Lack of Diverse Casting

November 27, 2015 by

Alex Proyas, director of  Gods of Egypt, and Lionsgate have issued apologies for the lack of  diverse casting in the mythological film, which has stirred controversy for its white cast.

Proyas issued a statement apologizing for the lack of racial diversity in the cast on Friday. “The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse. I sincerely apologize to those who are offended by the decisions we made.”
Lionsgate also acknowledged the need for more inclusive casting in a statement, which reads: “We recognize that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed. In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologize. Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.​​”

The public apology stands in contrast to Ridley Scott’s reaction over a similar controversy prompted by the casting for his Egypt-set epic, “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” which was banned in Egypt for its “historical inaccuracies.”

Scott defended his decision to cast white actors Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton in the lead roles of Moses and Ramses for practical reasons. “I can’t mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such,” Scott said. “I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up.”

The cast of “Gods of Egypt” includes Gerard Butler, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brenton Thwaites, Chadwick Boseman, Geoffrey Rush, Elodie Yung and Courtney Eaton.

“Gods of Egypt” bows in theaters on Feb. 26.

Lionsgate and Proyas’ statements were first reported by Forbes.

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